It is a classic tactic of abuse for the abuser to isolate their target from their family. It's also perfectly healthy to grieve for the times you missed. Great post, though. And what a gift those photos are. :)
Nothing in my life has gone the way I thought it would. Nothing. And that’s okay. It’s gone the way God willed it so I can, after taking up my cross and following Him for as long as He wills, be with Him for endless ages of ages.
I too, thought my life would be the same as when I was a kid—big Sunday and holiday dinners, lots of cousins around, the company of friends. Not what God had in mind. Living a life of holiness and service in a religious community working and praying with my brothers until, surrounded by them and with the whispers of their prayers in my ears, I made the final journey. Nope. For some, perhaps, but not for me. That was my will but it isn’t God’s.
Yesterday I had a sonogram and found out I have chronic liver disease. I don’t even know what that means. I haven’t met with the doctor yet. But, after some half-hearted wrestling I embraced it as the gift from God it is. Part of my itinerary to Heaven.
You’re so right. We are exactly where we need to be, not to be successful, but to be Successful. There really is only one thing that truly matters: being with God forever.
Once again, Chris, thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are filled with grace. I hope we meet in the future, whether in this life or the next so I can thank you in person for being a companion in the pilgrimage. Let’s pray for one another—oremus pro invicem.
Hey Father--I'm so sorry about the diagnosis, but it sounds like you're facing it heroically, so, good?
I love that phrase: "Itinerary to Heaven." With your blessing, I'm stealing it. Er...borrowing it. Giving it more exposure. Whatever--I'll just credit you.
My professional mission in life right now is to build a career that frees me from any particular location, so yes, please keep praying for me so that I can come visit sometime. Of course, the monastery is always open to visitors--even papists. ;-) (We have a few rebel long-time visitors who sneak some Latin in there sometime.)
It is a classic tactic of abuse for the abuser to isolate their target from their family. It's also perfectly healthy to grieve for the times you missed. Great post, though. And what a gift those photos are. :)
Nothing in my life has gone the way I thought it would. Nothing. And that’s okay. It’s gone the way God willed it so I can, after taking up my cross and following Him for as long as He wills, be with Him for endless ages of ages.
I too, thought my life would be the same as when I was a kid—big Sunday and holiday dinners, lots of cousins around, the company of friends. Not what God had in mind. Living a life of holiness and service in a religious community working and praying with my brothers until, surrounded by them and with the whispers of their prayers in my ears, I made the final journey. Nope. For some, perhaps, but not for me. That was my will but it isn’t God’s.
Yesterday I had a sonogram and found out I have chronic liver disease. I don’t even know what that means. I haven’t met with the doctor yet. But, after some half-hearted wrestling I embraced it as the gift from God it is. Part of my itinerary to Heaven.
You’re so right. We are exactly where we need to be, not to be successful, but to be Successful. There really is only one thing that truly matters: being with God forever.
Once again, Chris, thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are filled with grace. I hope we meet in the future, whether in this life or the next so I can thank you in person for being a companion in the pilgrimage. Let’s pray for one another—oremus pro invicem.
Scott
Hey Father--I'm so sorry about the diagnosis, but it sounds like you're facing it heroically, so, good?
I love that phrase: "Itinerary to Heaven." With your blessing, I'm stealing it. Er...borrowing it. Giving it more exposure. Whatever--I'll just credit you.
My professional mission in life right now is to build a career that frees me from any particular location, so yes, please keep praying for me so that I can come visit sometime. Of course, the monastery is always open to visitors--even papists. ;-) (We have a few rebel long-time visitors who sneak some Latin in there sometime.)
I will of course keep praying for you.
It sounds perfectly like an adventure, but when you’re done hacking mitochondrial phlegm where is your Shire?
The Shire is wherever I am. I bring the spirit of fine wine, great food, and barefoot leisure wherever I go. ;-)